Chinese basketball star Li Yueru to miss World Cup due to lost passport

Chinese basketball player Li Yueru will miss the upcoming FIBA World Cup after losing her passport, leaving insufficient time to obtain travel documents before the competition in Germany.

Li, who plays for the Dallas Wings in the Women's National Basketball Association, was unable to depart the United States after her original passport was lost in the mail. Despite efforts to obtain a replacement, the new document did not arrive with enough time for her to travel internationally for the tournament.

The loss represents a significant blow to China's World Cup campaign, as Li is considered a key player for the national squad. Her absence will force Chinese team officials to adjust their roster and tactical approach ahead of the competition.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges with international mail services and the tight scheduling often associated with international sporting events. Li's situation underscores the importance of maintaining travel documents well in advance of major competitions.